How Are You Saying Thank You?

A small tale about a big deal. Several, in fact.

Sawubona.

In keeping with my promise to not write opinions about our Conditions (my new version of the C-word) I am committed to write about Life, and the lights that I see in it. Some of these are going to happen as a by-product, which offers umpteen opportunities to see what’s right, what’s working and what there is to be so very grateful for all around us.

To that: yesterday, I manhandled my cat-piss-smelling realtor’s couch with the two busted legs into my living room where there is entertainment. The legs were bent before I moved it, now they’re most definitely broken, but I can’t call for help. You deal. Good thing I don’t plan to have energetic sex on the damned thing.

I am immensely grateful that I am strong enough to do such things.

That is not a humble brag. When you are female, in your mid-sixties, and solo right now, and you can’t call a mover or even a friend, being able to muscle furniture safely around the house is not a small thing. Not a small thing at all.

That led to this. That room has been getting very hot lately.

Yeah. About calling for help.

Yesterday a technician came to my house-outside, thank you- to fix a busted awning. That wouldn’t normally be a big deal except that it’s on the east side of the house where the sun is brutally hot. Without the awning it’s insufferable in here. That’s the room I spend most of my time in. Not only did I need it but to honor the next owner, I need to fix it. We discussed our options. Manuel felt safe since he was outside. We took every conceivable precaution. Before he left, I fitted an extra fifty into a ziplock bag that I wiped down, and asked him to please put the bills in the sun for a few days just in case. He was beyond surprised and delighted.

I am immensely grateful to that man for doing such a small thing which really is important right now.

Look, I am beyond grateful to have a house. To have an awning. To have…options. I don’t know Manuel’s situation but it strikes me that giving him an extra fifty off the books for putting himself out into the world is a pretty small gesture. Especially in light of the impact that will have on me if things drag on.

Acknowledgement

The other day I was jogging at the top of my long hill when a UPS truck made a K turn to drop off a package. I walked up to the driver’s side, and stood six feet away. He saw me, stopped, surprised.

“I just want to thank you for what you’re doing,” I said. “You probably don’t hear that enough.” He grinned. Big time.

I meant it. Because of guys like him, I have powdered milk supplies, jerky, and a great deal more that I couldn’t find after the hordes of hoarders wiped out essential supplies.

Matters.

I did the same thing in the meat section at my local Safeway. Guy shrugged it off, but you could tell it mattered.

Because it does matter.

Look. My income got slammed, too.

Many of us are in trouble. Which makes it even more important that, if you can, donate. If you can, tip extra. If you can, help out. Whatever that looks like.

Above all, give thanks. Not just to whoever your Maker might be, but to those who are busy making life easier for us.

People are relieved that they matter to us. That we see them. Let’s please let them know however we can.

Shikoba (Zulu): I’m relieved to know that I exist for you.